Esteemed actor Cornelia Frances dies in Sydney, aged 77

The beloved star died overnight in Sydney, surrounded by close family and friends.

Since emigrating to Australia in the 1970s, the renowned British-born actor has starred in some of the most iconic TV shows in the country including Home and Away, The Young Doctors and Sons and Daughters.

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She was also widely known as the formidable host of TV game show The Weakest Link, her icy on-screen persona becoming a hit around the country.

"Everybody knows I'm a b---h," she toldA Current Affairduring a recent interview.

"Being naughty and wickedness is great fun, I'm telling you that," she continued, with a signature "Goodbye!".

(Seven)

In January, she told The Sunday Telegraph that she'd love to reprise her role as Morag Bellingham, the villainous sister of Alf Stewart on Home and Away.

"I would dearly love to go back to Summer Bay but haven't heard anything as yet," she said.

Diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2017, Frances soon learned it had spread to her hip.

"The pain comes and goes but that's par for the course," she told ACA in January.

According to the Australian Cancer Research Foundation, the disease affected an estimated 2,995 people in Australia in 2017.

Frances is survived by her son Lawrence Eastland, who yesterday shared a touching photo of his 'peaceful' mother.

"A very personal photo of my mum during one of her resting moments, she is so peaceful, soft and serene. I truly love this woman," he wrote.

The veteran actor recently celebrated her 77th birthday from her hospital bed in April.

"Mum had the best day, surrounded by some of her closest friends," Eastland toldNew Idea at the time.

"It was wonderful to see her smile and laugh," he added.

The actress' former Home and Away colleagues were quick to express their sadness over her death.

"I worked with Cornelia for many years," said Lynne McGranger, who's best known for playing Irene Roberts on Home and Away. "She was very loved and respected. In a way she paved the way for women in Australian TV always playing such strong characters. My thoughts are with Lawrence and her family."

Another former co-star, Ada Nicodemou, who played Leah Parker on H&A for nearly 20 years, said she too was devastated over the news.

"Cornelia was very loved and respected. She will be sadly missed. Lawrence, her family and friends are in our thoughts," said Nicodemou, while Judy Nunn -- who played Ailsa Stewart on the long-running soap -- wrote, "She died with the same grace and dignity with which she lived. Cornelia was a very close friend. I loved her dearly. I will miss you Corn, we all will."